Utica Academy for International Studies students reflected over four years of accomplishments as they prepared for life beyond graduation.

"After weeks of counting down and saying 'it'll get better' - it finally did. Yet, we will find ourselves missing this time," said UAIS commencement speaker Shirley ElFishawy. "UAIS is simply a microcosm for the real world we will now venture into. It has not only allowed us to achieve our dreams, but it's given us the courage to develop even bigger ones."

Throughout the evening, speakers honored the 87 graduates of UAIS for their work to pursue an International Baccalaureate program.

"In my inaugural year at UAIS, I have learned that you are a determined and tenacious group," said principal Shaun Greene-Beebe.

Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns told graduates that the school's blend of a rigorous course of studies through a liberal arts education will serve them in their future educational and professional lives.

"Thanks to your time here, you will always look at the world through a unique lens," Dr. Johns said. "Forming the foundation of this view is your incredible success - you lead the competition."

Board of Education President Gene Klida told graduates their experiences at UAIS will serve as a foundation for their future.

"The path you take from this point forward will be as different and unique as the one you encountered here," she said.

Program Director Justin Spear shared the highlights of this year's class:

Combined GPA of 3.98

An average SAT score of 1280, representing the 89th percentile of college-bound students

47 valedictorians, one salutatorian and 78 UCS Academic Scholars

17,000 hours of Creativity, Activity and Service

Scholarships totaling $10.6 million

Tens of thousands of dollars for national and international charities and organizations.

"You have pursued the most rigorous high school curriculum the world has to offer," Spear told graduates. "Despite the challenges you faced or because of them, the numbers that represent what you have achieved on this journey are remarkable."

Student speaker Lisette LeMerise told students that they have traveled well beyond the super heroes they followed as children or the literary characters they studied in school.

"You have life beyond paper, beyond ink on a page, and I daresay you are better than any story anyone has ever read," she said. "As you lead your life beyond UAIS remember that it is a not a new chapter, because that would imply you are a character in a story. This is a new experience, and you have the opportunity to mold yourself as you see fit without limitations."